The new sheriff in town at the State Liquor Authority says he’s cracking down on underage drinking and focusing on public safety in the wake of several high-profile crimes linked to Manhattan bars.

In his first in-depth interview since taking the reins as chair of the long-criticized SLA in January, former upstate police officer Dan Boyle said he’s moving the beleaguered agency in a “different direction.”

The SLA is on pace to double civil fines collected from licensed establishments this year compared to each of the last three years, and increase the number of license revocations and cancellations for bad behavior.

Since January, 159 establishments have lost their licenses. In all of 2003, 194 businesses – including both bars and stores – lost their licenses.

“We’re sticking to our mission statement of health, safety and welfare of the community,” Boyle said.

Boyle said his office is focusing on underage drinking, paying “close attention” to bars and clubs in “college areas.”

The issue was thrust into the spotlight in July when 18-year-old Jennifer Moore was served liquor at the Chelsea nightclub Guest House before being raped and killed.

Chelsea and its wild West 27th Street strip is “on the radar right now,” he said.